SL could face power shortage in 2018: PUCSL

1 October 2016 05:39 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday sounded a warning that unless the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) implemented the approved generation expansion plan on time Sri Lanka would face a power crisis by 2018.

Director General of the PUCSL, Damitha Kumarasinghe stressed that the demand for electricity was on the rise and the PUCSL had warned about a possible power shortage in 2018. “Therefore, the timely implementation of CEB’s approved generation expansion plan is the key for Sri Lanka to avoid this crisis,” Mr. Kumarasinghe said.

The power plants listed in the Least Cost Long Term Generation Expansion Plan (LCLTGEP) 2015-2034 should be immediately constructed and operated, to prevent a possible power shortage in year 2018 and beyond, he emphasized.

Mr. Kumarasinghe said the PUCSL had requested the CEB to submit the implementation plan including milestones for each of the power plants identified in the plant schedule for the period of 2017-2020 under the recently approved Least Cost Long Term Generation Expansion Plan (LCLTGEP) 2015-2034.

The implementation plan should be submitted to the PUCSL by the CEB Commission on or before October 28, 2016. The Commission had approved the LCLTGEP 2015-2034 on September 15, 2016.

“The demand for the electricity is on the rise and we have warned the government about a possible power shortage in 2018. So timely implementation of the CEB’s approved generation expansion plan is the key for Sri Lanka to sail through this crisis,” Damitha Kumarasinghe, Director General of the PUCSL said.

“There is no other way. The plants listed in the LCLTGEP for the period of 2017 – 2020, should be constructed immediately and put into operation to prevent a possible power shortage in the future.”

These plants include two thermal power plants with a capacity of 170 MWs in the South, 105 MW gas turbines, a 300 MW natural gas power plant and several renewable energy power plants with a capacity of 655 MW which include three major hydro-power plants. Accordingly approximately 1,230 MWs would be added to the national grid in the next four years, which would help ensure continuity in the supply of power throughout the country, Kumarasinghe added. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 12

Selvyn Saturday, 01 October 2016 04:32 PM

Now the notorious JO has got some ammunition to fire at the PM in particular via DM Android App

Don Saturday, 01 October 2016 05:38 PM

Stop with the excuses and get us off fossil fuels. There are countries run entirely on renewable energy. But sorry this type of energy will not bribe. via DM Android App

Manel Sunday, 02 October 2016 02:18 AM

Some CEB officials are keen on installing coal fired plants and importing coal from India. Is this necessary. Govt should promote household solar power and wind power more vigorously.

Madiya Sunday, 02 October 2016 07:37 AM

I worked in Saudi Arabia in the l980s when there was what was called the "oil shock". At that time the OPEC countries predicted that the oil deposits will last only till the year 2000. Now we have a glut in the market. This prediction was made to increase oil prices. So are these predictions.

Hitapangmachan Sunday, 02 October 2016 08:14 AM

even Sola power genarate is ideal . via DM iOS App

OMG Sunday, 02 October 2016 10:26 AM

Government should act fast, this is very important for people and economy. The climate in Sri Lanka now without fan and ac cant stay inside the house.

Sanjay a Bellttapuththa Sunday, 02 October 2016 10:37 AM

it is tragic that the government do not subsidise or help in solar power panel fixing for houses and small establishments allowing reduction on power demand Many countries are harnessing solar power in great proportion with such subsidies We have ample potential for that if Government wants to avert a crisis via DM iOS App

Shelly. Sunday, 02 October 2016 12:38 PM

These targets can be easily met if selfish movements dont do dirty tricks. Citizens must pay due taxes. Anti Indian propaganda has to be stopped. By obstructing Government only anti social elements are benifitted. Those element should be put in dark rooms to avoid the whole country to be in darkness. via DM Android App

Daya Sunday, 02 October 2016 01:29 PM

Comedy of errors. Governing body CEB not bothered to announce whereas some other government organization. via DM Android App

Yeti Sunday, 02 October 2016 05:15 PM

GLP's do'sand don'ts when it suites him!

Yeti Sunday, 02 October 2016 05:17 PM

Are they expecting a power 'surge' in 2020 after the elections????

Nimal Monday, 03 October 2016 06:46 AM

I doubt the government will allow investors to have solar farms.Some says bit is limited to a few selected people.

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SL could face power shortage in 2018: PUCSL

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